The Oropendola Project is a non-profit association. The name Oropendola is taken from a bird known locally as Puste o Custe. This bird is very common in populated areas and in the Amazon forests. In Peru, there are 7 sub-species of the Oropendola, all of which make sounds that resemble dripping water. This bird was the inspiration for both Oropendola Tours and the Oropendola Project because by observing the behaviour of the Oropendola, we understand that it is possible for man and nature to coexist and interact. The Oropendola represents the idea that we need to achieve a state of balance between man and nature, where humans understand and respect the environment.

Christmas with the Machigenga indeginous people,Dic-2008

The goal of the Oropendola Project is to help protect and manage some of Perus diverse ecological resoures, while respecting the native communities. The project is funded almost entirely through responsible ecotourism, Oropendola Project and oropendola Tours for help indigenous peoples with economical benefit. We assist and manage with the help of our Manager Walter Mancilla to build the first ECOLOGICAL LODGE in Boca Manu Village Capital of Fitzcarrald District of Manu area. This project is one of the first Lodge in the Manu Biosphere Reserve that directly benefit this community with the complete control of the local people.

Tapir taking minerals, from the Clay Lick

Photo: Tomoko Suzuki

The Oropendola Project is self-financed and its projects include:

The projects are financed thanks to the eco-tourism business we manage through Oropendola Tours. Many thanks to our clients and volunteers that use our services, which both directly and indirectly contributes to the protection and management of the natural resources in our private reserve.

Anyone interested in contributing to the protection of the Amazon region, please do not hesitate in providing aid to our organization. As we expand, our plans and our eco-projects continue to grow.

We believe that the sustainable management of wildlife within their natural habitat is a far better option in terms of protecting the area for future generations and to build tourism in this part of the Valley.However, to make this project a reality, The Oropendola Fundation has been set up to handle donation to the Oropendola project from every organization and individual with a good heart.

Harpy Eagle Project by Antonio Fernandini, Puerto Maldonado
Photo:Walter Mancilla

How benefits

Oropendola Project protects the biological diversity of the wilderness areas of the Amazon. Our strategy is to increase conservation capacity through eco-tourism, sustainable management in collaborations with local and international support.

Eco-tourism is probably one of the best options for the indigenous in
the area today.

Involvement in eco-tourism also means conservation of their culture, as theirtraditions and lifestyle will be an important part of what they will offer to the tourists.

It will maintain their pride and identity of their own culture.

The indegenous people have developed long-term ecological relations
with flora and fauna.

They have distinct knowledge of medicinal plants and food in the forest
over the centuries.

We also see its importance of their traditional practice in the Amazon
rainforest.

The Oropendola Project has been the bridge between the locals in the
area and you.

Please feel free to contact us for more information and find out how to
contribute to them through us.